Cuthbert pinching himself at rapid rise through ranks

Alex Cuthbert admits he is struggling to come to terms with his own rapid rise after being named in the British & Irish Lions squad set to tour Australia this summer.

The Wales and Cardiff Blues wing was named in Warren Gatland's 37-man squad heading Down Under to take on the Wallabies, one of 15 Welsh players to be given the nod.

But none of the Welsh contingent have enjoyed a surge in their career like Cuthbert, the speedster having played Sevens for Wales at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Cuthbert only made his Wales XVs debut in December 2011 but has since gone on to collect two RBS 6 Nations titles, including last year's Grand Slam.

The 6ft 6in wing now finds himself with a plane ticket for Australia and the 23-year-old insists it is all happening so quickly for him.

"It is mad, the last two years [since] getting my opportunity with Cardiff Blues," said Cuthbert.

"It all started three or four years ago with the Sevens, for it all to happen so quickly is a bit of a shock and I am just really proud.
"I have worked really hard and this has just topped it off really.

"It was a great feeling [to be selected in the Lions squad] and I don't think I will ever get that feeling again.

"I am proud, the family is proud and I am just looking forward to it now. The tension has been building over the last few months since the England game.

"I have not been able to play since then and I am just looking forward to the tour now.

"It is great for Welsh rugby and for Wales to get that many players named in the squad."